Apple and Samsung reached an agreement during a hearing held in a federal Australian court today. The compromise was for Samsung to stop selling the tablet until it wins in court or until the lawsuit is resolved. Samsung also said it would stop advertising the product during that time period.
Apple’s compromise in the deal was to pay all the damages if it ends up losing the patent suit. Samsung has also agreed to give Apple three samples of the Australian version of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 at least seven days before it launches the product. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 went on sale in the U.S. last Thursday.
So what’s Apple so upset about? The company is saying that Samsung copied the entire iPhone and iPad experience, including the design, packaging, and user interface. The court filing shows that Apple is accusing Samsung of copying a number of basic elements from patents that Apple was awarded in 2009 and 2010. These patents covered the basic iPhone design, and the placement and design of app icons on the home screen.
Of course, Samsung is denying the whole thing and company reps have promised a long battle in court for Apple. Apple isn’t only seeking legal action on the Galaxy Tab in Australia, but also the U.S., U.K, Japan, Germany, Italy, France, and South Korea.
For those in Australia waiting for the new tablet, unfortunately you need Apple and Samsung to settle their differences before it eevr gets back on store shelves.
Leave a comment